Chicago Alliance
of Visual Artists
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CAVA is a volunteer not-for-profit organization founded in 1988 to serve artists aged 50+. We're dedicated to giving our over 300 members throughout Chicagoland the opportunity to exhibit artwork in at least three exhibits annually in such notable venues as the Chicago Cultural Center, Evanston Art Center, Bridgeport Art Center, Beverly Arts Center, and the Leslie Wolfe Gallery in Old Town.
Creating art can be a solitary occupation—CAVA organizes and presents events for older artists to come together through its exhibitions, salons, member luncheons, workshops, annual Symposium, and special events. For more information, visit our CONTACT page, and sign up for our e-newsletter.
CAVA MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
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Exhibit in the Annual Members Show;
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Enter the juried Later Impressions exhibition;
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Engage in various group and media-focused exhibitions
we organize throughout the Chicago area; -
Participate in membership social and educational programs, including our Salon/Critique Events; CAVA's Intergenerational Projects; Artist Studio Visits; and the annual CAVA Symposium.
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FEATURED CAVA ARTIST
BARB SISTAK BAUR'S artistic journey has been via a circuitous route, and this is often reflected in her artwork. She began studying drawing on her own from books, working on them late at night while raising her family. She later began more formal instruction with valued instructors and mentors at Columbia College in Missouri.
Barb uses unique materials to explore her parallel lines of inquiry: flags, abstraction, and Route 66… and not necessarily in that order. “My husband and I operate an online business from Mundelein, IL, serving collectors of old vintage license plates,” says Barb. “We have tens of thousands old license plates in our business space, which is also home to my studio, and also where I source much of my art material.” Her themes and materials have clear connections to each other.
American Flag
“Nothing says ‘America’ quite like the automobile, so license plates are apt for commentary on our country,” says Barb. “I create my American flag pieces in response to the disruptive conflicts between our political parties. And, old US Route 66 conjures the travel ideal of adventure, freedom and exploration. Often rusty and worn, my works nostalgically peer back at those days gone by.”
Old Road Rt 66 sign
In some of her recent work, Barb has been responding to the tragic Ukraine situation, creating works in sympathy to the resistance. Her abstract sculptural works bring pieces together to form a cohesive composition, creating a sense of calm and restorative peace. Some form 3-D cubes, others are layered to create more linear shapes.
Cuboid in Place
Barb warns, “I am careful to inform viewers and patrons to take care when handling my works, since the cut metal assemblages do have sharp edges."
But a bit of extra care in handling is a small price to pay to be able to enjoy the beauty of her colorful and nostalgic art!
Eric with his welded steel sculpture Flame